The Best Canteens and Water Bottles to Ensure You Stay Hydrated All Year

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You are 60 percent water, and you are probably also dehydrated, most adults generally are. But even a small drop in the amount of the wet stuff in your system can aggravate all kinds of problems, from headaches and poor mood, right through to major kidney and liver damage.

The best way to keep hydrated is to continually sip on water throughout the day. That’s easy if you are sitting at home, but what if you are out and about? You’ll need a bottle. But before you add to the great pacific garbage patch, invest in a high-quality, reusable water bottle that will keep you, and the environment, healthy for years to come. Here’s what the consider when picking a water bottle or canteen.

• Capacity: More capacity, more water, that’s good right? Well not if you’ve got to lug it around all day. Water is weight, and you will notice that weight out on the hills. Inversely, you want to make sure you don’t run out in the first five minutes. 500ml will probably do for an afternoon wandering in the woods on a classically cloudy British summer’s day. But if its hotter than usual, or you are going for longer than a couple of hours, then it pays to pack more.

• Insulation. Some bottles come with built in vacuum insulation, others with a fabric jacket. Both options will help to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. But they will add extra weight. Consider how long you will be going out for, is your cold drink really going to get that much warmer on a British summer’s day anyway?

• Materials. This decision largely boils down to metal or plastic. A metal bottle may be harder wearing and perhaps better for the environment, but it will probably be heavier. When it comes to plastic, make sure to look for BPA free, non-toxic, recyclable bottle.